Isaiah 34:3
Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood.
Original Language Analysis
וְחַלְלֵיהֶ֣ם
Their slain
H2491
וְחַלְלֵיהֶ֣ם
Their slain
Strong's:
H2491
Word #:
1 of 8
pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted
יֻשְׁלָ֔כוּ
also shall be cast out
H7993
יֻשְׁלָ֔כוּ
also shall be cast out
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
2 of 8
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
וּפִגְרֵיהֶ֖ם
out of their carcases
H6297
וּפִגְרֵיהֶ֖ם
out of their carcases
Strong's:
H6297
Word #:
3 of 8
a carcase (as limp), whether of man or beast; figuratively, an idolatrous image
יַעֲלֶ֣ה
shall come up
H5927
יַעֲלֶ֣ה
shall come up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
4 of 8
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְנָמַ֥סּוּ
shall be melted
H4549
וְנָמַ֥סּוּ
shall be melted
Strong's:
H4549
Word #:
6 of 8
to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)
Cross References
Joel 2:20But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.Isaiah 34:7And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.Ezekiel 39:4Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.
Historical Context
Such imagery would have been vivid to Isaiah's audience who witnessed Assyrian military campaigns. The Assyrians practiced psychological warfare through public displays of conquered enemies.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Scripture use such graphic imagery for judgment?
- How does this passage inform our understanding of hell's reality?
- What does the permanent nature of this judgment teach about God's holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The graphic imagery of unburied corpses and mountains melting in blood depicts total devastation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, proper burial was essential for honor; denial of burial represented ultimate shame (Jeremiah 8:2). This apocalyptic language uses hyperbole to communicate the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. The Reformed understanding sees this as partial fulfillment in historical judgments but ultimate fulfillment in final judgment.